Unique Instruments: All About the Trombone

The trombone is a brass musical instrument, played by blowing air through the mouthpiece and sliding a metal piping along the length of its body. The trombone first came into use in the 15th century throughout Europe and gained even more popularity by the 1800s. The nature of the trombone makes it more commonly used in a group setting as opposed to a solo instrument, and even in its early days it was used in concerts and orchestras. While it was originally played for religious musical ceremonies, trombones were later introduced in war-time brass and drum ensembles around the time of WWI. Many classical musicians experimented with trombones, including composing solo pieces for it. During the 20th century, jazz musicians embraced the sound of the trombone wholeheartedly and it became a quintessential sound in jazz.